Honey bees create unique nest on branch

KUSA - A colony of honey bees spotted by a photographer in Colorado is creating a bit of buzz.

They're nesting on an open branch at Chatfield State Park, something that is unusual according to Mario Padilla an Entomologist with the Butterfly Pavilion.

Padilla says these bees are the same ones beekeepers keep for honey and pollination services. When not kept in boxes by keepers they can nest in hollowed logs and other places, but not typically out in the open.

He says the bees construct wax in sheets as seen in the photos, but we usually don't get to see it because of where they choose to nest.

Padilla has seen these types of hives before, but mostly in places with mild winters. He says he's not sure if the hive will be able to generate enough heat to survive the cold Colorado temperatures this winter.